New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has carried out a major e-cigarette seizure at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). Officers recovered 13,000 devices worth more than ₹4 crore from an import container. The consignment allegedly concealed the products among goods declared as mop rods.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the shipment for inspection. They examined the container and found 6,000 Yuoto Thanos e-cigarettes. They also recovered 7,000 Yuoto Lens branded devices. The smugglers had hidden the products at the container’s end, among the declared mop rod handles.
The seized e-cigarettes and the cover cargo together carried a value of over ₹4 crore. DRI officers seized the goods under relevant provisions of the Customs Act. The operation forms part of the agency’s sustained action against illicit trade.
E-cigarette seizure adds to nationwide enforcement drive
India prohibits electronic cigarettes and all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. The law bars their production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement. Parliament enacted the law to protect public health and prevent harm.
DRI has intensified its action against illicit e-cigarette imports during the current financial year. In FY 2026-27, the agency has seized around 3.55 lakh e-cigarettes worth more than ₹135 crore. Its operations covered ports, airports and Inland Container Depots across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal.
These figures underline the scale of the agency’s enforcement drive. Moreover, DRI continues to target cross-border smuggling networks through intelligence-led operations. The agency says these efforts protect India’s economic interests and public health.
